Man Utd fans protest Glazer ownership during Roma Champions League match

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 4 Nov, 11:15 · Archive

Manchester United supporters released green and gold balloons and threw tennis balls onto the pitch during a Champions League match against Roma at Old Trafford in protest against the club's ownership.

Manchester United supporters staged multiple protests against the club's ownership during Tuesday's Champions League match against Roma at Old Trafford, which United won 3-2 in a dramatic comeback.

Approximately 4,000 green and gold balloons were distributed to fans at the Stretford End before kick-off, symbolising the club's original colours and representing 21 years under Glazer family ownership. The protest was organised by a group called the Stretford Enders. Further disruption came in the 21st minute when fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch, forcing play to pause. A banner reading 'For the love not the 'likes' was also displayed.

The green and gold colours have become symbols of protest against the Glazer family since their takeover in 2005, and were regularly used during protests that began in 2010. Supporters had planned additional actions, including a banner reading 'No new stadium, we want new owners', though Uefa were unable to sanction it in time. Fan groups also coordinated unfollowing the club on social media and planned a boycott of associated products and sponsors.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was targeted with chants during the protest. According to Mirror Sport, he has previously suggested in an interview with The Times that he may not tolerate the same level of abuse the Glazer family has received, though he acknowledged he can put up with being unpopular for a time.

United came back from 0-2 down to win 3-2, with Bruno Fernandes converting a retaken penalty and Matheus Cunha scoring twice before being sent off. The victory ended a major winless run for the club.

How it is being reported

• Manchester United’s wild win against Roma showed angry fans we care, says DalotFull-back believes 3-2 win can transform season United were booed off by supporters at half-time Diogo Dalot believes Manchester United’s comeback win against Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday can transform their troubled season and, as importantly, showed unhappy supporters that the players care. The Glazer family, who have owned United since 2005 and loaded £1.2bn of debt onto the club, continue to be the focus for fan anger and there was yet another protest against them before kick-off at Old Trafford, with thousands of green and gold balloons released from the Stretford End. The…Guardian Sport · 4 Nov, 12:00
• Furious fan protests leave Jim Ratcliffe with decision to make on Man Utd quit promiseManchester United fans targeted co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe with more abuse as part of angry protests at Old Trafford during Tuesday's 3-2 win against Roma in the Champions LeagueMirror Sport · 4 Nov, 10:54
• Man United claims comeback win after fans launch tennis balls in protestManchester United comes back from two goals down to end a winless run as the club's fans launch another protest against the owners.ABC News Australia · 3 Nov, 22:59
• Man Utd fans stage protest against Glazers during Roma Champions League matchManchester United fans have made their feelings clear to the club's hierarchy during the Champions League clash against AS Roma at Old TraffordMirror Sport · 3 Nov, 20:02
• Man Utd vs Roma faces disruption as fans plot anti-Glazer stunt at Old TraffordThousands of green and gold balloons to be released during the 21st minute of Champions League tie - with further protests outside the stadium plannedThe i Paper · 3 Nov, 18:00

In this story: Manchester United · Roma · Glazer family · Sir Jim Ratcliffe · Stretford End · Old Trafford · Matheus Cunha · Michael Carrick

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